Visit Auckland by Cruise Ship

What to see and do in Auckland

When arriving in Auckland by cruise ship, be sure to disembark and explore! The compact city centre sits right on the harbour's edge awaiting your arrival. There's so much to see in the city and if you'd like to experience some of Auckland's hidden wonders, a short, scenic ferry ride will have you discovering one or two of more than 50 island gems in Auckland's majestic Hauraki Gulf.

We've provided the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and have also noted some easy-to-reach Auckland highlights below. To make any enquiries or bookings visit Tourism Auckland's i-SITE Visitor Information Centre right beside the warf. Or, to speak to someone in advance, phone +64 9 367 6009 or email reservations@aucklandnz.com.

City highlights

Auckland city is easy to explore so don't miss your opportunity to discover the vibrancy and activity that awaits you ashore. Only a two minute stroll from your cabin is the lively Viaduct Harbour, home to more than 20 restaurants and bars offering stylish alfresco dining overlooking the coming and going of yachts (including ex-America's Cup yachts that you can sail aboard).

Another couple of minutes walk from your port and you'll be in the hub of Britomart, Auckland's historic shopping precinct. Beautiful and ornate old buildings line Customs Street East, Commerce Street and Quay Street. Inside are a number of high-end clothing and homeware stores offering quality and distinct New Zealand designs.

Those wishing to stretch their legs can reach High Street, the fashion street of New Zealand, after a five - ten minute walk up Queen Street. High Street is home to top New Zealand fashion labels and is surrounded by up-market dining at Chancery or a range of cosy pubs and cafes on Vulcan Lane.

The unique and culturally rich suburbs of Ponsonby, Karangahape Road (K' Road), Newmarket and Parnell are also easy for you to reach. Simply hop on The Link (a bus that links all these suburbs to the city), and alight wherever takes your fancy! Ponsonby is lined with cafes and designer stores - the perfect stop for a coffee and some shopping! K' Road is a quirky, character street where high fashion sits comfortably alongside retro, Newmarket is often referred to as Auckland's trendiest shopping district and Parnell is a historic and boutique village with arts, jewelers and buzzing cafes.

Islands of the Gulf

As you sail in and out of the Auckland harbour, you'll notice a scattering of spectacular islands throughout the gulf. There are more than 50 islands in the Hauraki Gulf, many of which you can visit. And a visit to Auckland isn't complete without exploring at least one island! Auckland's ferry terminal is situated alongside the cruise ship port. From here, jump on a ferry and travel to an island of your choice. So which to choose?

Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is situated about 30 minutes ferry ride from Auckland city. The island is a picturesque blend of beautiful beaches, native bush, fine wine, cuisine, vineyards, arts and culture. Getting around the island by bus or tour allows you to stop off at several of New Zealand's famous wineries, visit art attractions and see the island highlights. For more information visit www.waihekenz.com.

Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto Island is unmistakable with its iconic cone structure and blanketing of the world’s largest pohutukawa forest. As Auckland's most recently formed volcano, Rangitoto has a great exploring ground of a myriad of lava formations and caves and rare native flora. The energetic can climb to the top of the summit for amazing views of the islands in the gulf and the city in the background. Alternatively, take a ride up to the summit in an open air '4WD train'.

Tiritiri Matangi
As one of the world's most successful restoration projects, Tiritiri Matangi is an intriguing island to visit. Once covered in native bush only to be cleared for farming, the island has been almost completely restored to its original state. Visitors to the island can enjoy a tour through native bush and often rare native bird species are spotted. A must for nature lovers!

Getting around

Getting around is easy! Many of Auckland city's attractions are within easy walking distance including the Viaduct Harbour, Britomart and High Street. The Link bus stops at the Britomart Transport Centre (directly across the road from your berth). You can jump on here and hop off at Parnell, Newmarket, K' Road or Ponsonby and return to the city when it suits you. For a city highlights tour, you can jump on the Explorer Bus.

Easier still is getting to the islands. Next door to your berth is the ferry terminal. Simply visit Tourism Auckland's i-SITE on Princes Wharf and ask for ferry timetables. The friendly staff can also make bookings for you free of booking fees. Staying at Waiheke Island overnight is an option and tours around Waiheke, Rangitoto and Tiritiri Matangi can also be arranged for you at the i-SITE.

Contact:

Tourism Auckland i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Location: Princes Wharf, view map
Phone: +64 9 367 6009
Email: reservations@aucklandnz.com

For other Visitor Information Centre locations, click here.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Where do I catch the free city bus?

You can pick up a free city bus brochure at Tourism Auckland's i-SITE Visitor Information Centre. The bus operates a small circuit that runs around central downtown linking key destinations in Auckland city. The bus runs every 10 minutes from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.

How do I find out about the Explorer Bus?

Explorer Bus brochures and tickets are available at Tourism Auckland's i-SITE Visitor Information Centre. The bus offers hop on and hop off sightseeing tours with a brief commentary on board. Explorer Bus departs from the Ferry Building from 9am to 4pm every half hour.

Where is the nearest phone box?

There are a few phone booths close to your cruise ship berth. There is one in the Viaduct Harbour, another in Britomart Transport Centre and another in the downtown shopping mall, Westfield at Lower Albert Street.

Where can I buy phone cards?

You can purchase phone cards at Tourism Auckland's i-SITE Visitor Information Centre or at any of the numerous convenience stores close by.

Where can I find souvenir shops?

There are a number of souvenir shops on Queen Street and at the Victoria Park Markets (catch The Link bus to the markets).

Where is the nearest toilet or bathroom?

There are bathrooms at the Ferry Building beside your cruise ship berth.

Where can I find information about the Sky Tower and other tourism attractions?

There are brochures available at Tourism Auckland's i-SITE Visitor Information Centre. You can also purchase tickets for attractions, transport and accommodation with no additional booking fee.

How do I get to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World?

You can get to Kelly Tarlton's by public transport, Stagecoach 74, 75, 76 from bus stop D13 (Turner Street in Britomart). There is also a Kelly Tarlton's shuttle that leaves from SKYCITY. Purchase tickets from Tourism Auckland's i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and save NZ$3 per adult.

Where is the nearest pharmacy?

Radius Pharmacy at Westfield Shopping Mall, Lower Albert Street or Radius Pharmacy at 104 Queen Street.

Where are the closest churches (Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian...)?

Saint Patrick's, 43 Wyndham St, Auckland Central (Catholic)
Anglican Church, 12 St Stephens Ave, Parnell, Auckland
Greyfriars Presbyterian Church, 544 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland